Justin Lee: Certified Arborist, Bartlett Tree Experts
This month we spoke with Justin Lee, an arborist with Bartlett Tree Experts. Bartlett is the newest member of our Land Trust family and will be presenting our Inaugural Trap Shoot event later this month at the Pinetucky Gun Club.
We invite you to sit in as we get to know Justin and his team, their passion for the environment, and a little bit more about the job of an arborist.
Q: Welcome to the Land Trust, Justin. Tell us: what was it that drew Bartlett Tree Experts to join the Land Trust?
Thank you. Yes, well, the Land Trust is a huge asset to our community. Your forward-thinking and future planning has already proven to help our community and our greenspaces prosper. Bartlett Tree Experts bases its business off of scientific tree care and preservation of our land and trees. We look forward to partnering with the Land Trust to help the cause in any way we can.
Q: I understand Bartlett is an long-running, international family business. Can you share with us a little about your history?
Founded in 1907, our company is now under its third generation of family management. Bartlett Tree Experts is a 100+ year old tree and shrub care company with global reach and local roots, with locations in 32 U.S. states, Canada, Ireland and Great Britain. We provide science-based solutions, a safety-first record and expert care for your trees and shrubs.
Our services include pruning, fertilization, insect and disease management, cabling and bracing of trees, and tree removal. We have a great mix of commercial and residential clients all over the CSRA. No matter the size or scope, our arborists can help keep your trees healthy and beautiful while protecting your landscape investment.
Q: What are the job responsibilities and educational requirements to be an “Arborist?”
An Arborist, by definition, is someone who professionally practices arborculture: the cultivation, management, and study of individual trees, shrubs, vines, and other perennial woody plants. Arborists generally focus on the health and safety of individual plants and trees, rather than managing forests or harvesting wood.
Generally, arborists have a background in horticulture, arboriculture, or related field. The background usually includes an Associates or Bachelor’s Degree in the related fields, followed by a certification exam from the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Study materials are provided through ISA for all levels of certification.
Q: Tell us more about the various tree, shrub, and disease management services that Barlett Tree Experts offers:
When it comes to insect and disease management, our philosophy is simply to accurately diagnose the problem before prescribing treatment. We strive for targeted treatment, so that beneficial insect populations are not put into jeopardy. We have a variety of programs that we implement both organic and non-organic. Our organic programs included all ORMI approved products. A large part of our organic push is the use of biological control for insects, such as using lady bugs, green lacewing, praying mantis, and predatory mites to aid in the control of harmful insects.
We offer 115 services related to tree and shrub care. Our mission is tree preservation, so that tree removal isn’t a large part of what we do. We focus on developing programs that will sustain throughout the life of the tree, including installing lightning protection, supplemental supports for branches and stem unions, and soil management through fertilization.
Q: As a “tree company”, do you plant trees?
We do not plant tree seedlings. However, we do give them away. Bartlett’s Tree Legacy Program provides tree seedlings to be given away across the country. Since 2015, we have given away 5,000 seedlings locally. Trees For Tomorrow allows for any species to be given away.
